which Valvoline MaxLife should I use?

[FiremarshalRob]

Since my 2002 F150 with the 5.4L V8 is about to turn 80K miles, it has been suggested by many to go with MaxLife.

There are 3 different kinds if I am correct:
Maxlife
Maxlife synthetic blend
Maxlife fully synthetic

I can find all but the fully synthetic very easily. I am currently using Mobil 1 5w30 fully synthetic.
I'm leaning towards the synthetic blend for the price.

Rob

 

[MGregoir]

Does your truck use or leak any oil?

If not, you don't really need the MaxLife but it is good oil.

 

[FiremarshalRob]

yeah, at about 5000 miles after an OC, I'm at about the "ADD" line on the dipstick.

 

[MGregoir]

MaxLife is a less volatile oil so it could help with that.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

In Baton Rougue, one could use Maxlife 10w30 Synthetic Blend and sleep well at night.

 

[mcrn]

I think there is only 2. One is semi syn and one is Full syn.

 

[marcel]

Stick with the full synthetic. I once heard to never buy blends,reason the oil only has to contain 2% synthetic to be called a blend . With the little price difference I'd stick with synthetics.

 

[bmwtechguy]

That blend is plenty good for 5k mile oil changes and will probably slow down consumption some. Consumption may continue to level off after 2nd or third use of this oil. Only reason I see for the Full Synthetic would be if you want to go 7-10k miles between oil changes. 5 qt jug of the blend at local Walmart is $13. Full Synthetic will cost you between $20 and 30 for 5 quarts.

 

[02zx9r]

Originally Posted By: mcrn
I think there is only 2. One is semi syn and one is Full Synthetic.


correct, only two. Syn blend, and Full Synthetic

Originally Posted By: bmwtechguy
That blend is plenty good for 5k mile oil changes and will probably slow down consumption some. Consumption may continue to level off after 2nd or third use of this oil. Only reason I see for the Full Synthetic would be if you want to go 7-10k miles between oil changes. 5 qt jug of the blend at local Walmart is $13. Full Synthetic will cost you between $20 and 30 for 5 quarts.


i agree. there is a recent uoa of maxlife syn blend with a oci of 7K or 7.5K which looked really good. was a car though

 

[va3ux]

Originally Posted By: marcel
Stick with the full synthetic. I once heard to never buy blends,reason the oil only has to contain 2% synthetic to be called a blend . With the little price difference I'd stick with synthetics.

True, in general. However the Maxlife blend is known to contain approx 20% PAO. It did even before they changed the labeling to say that it was a blend.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: marcel
Stick with the full synthetic. I once heard to never buy blends,reason the oil only has to contain 2% synthetic to be called a blend . With the little price difference I'd stick with synthetics.


I would like to see the document that says that.

 

[DmanWho]

You might as well give the synth/conv blend a try, and see if there's any improvement with oil consumption.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: FiremarshalRob
I am currently using Mobil 1 5w30 fully synthetic.


Get ready for a MUCH quieter engine if you go to Maxlife.

 

[marcel]

I don't know of the document but i read a section on Synlube's sight and a thread on another sight than says its 5% min to be called blend.

 

[FiremarshalRob]

Looks like I'll give the Maxlife syn blend a shot. Not a bad price at Walmart or AAP around here.

The girl working the counter at AAP said Valvoline was going to be the oil on sale for April.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: FiremarshalRob
I am currently using Mobil 1 5w30 fully synthetic.


Get ready for a MUCH quieter engine if you go to Maxlife.

Mine was quieter using 5W-20 QS - versus 5w30 Mobil 1 and Amsoil ASL. For the life of me, I don't understand it - cuz' I like all the other attributes of the Mobil and Amsoil. Both 'possibly' containing the same base oil could be the reason why.

 

[NightRiderQ45]

Originally Posted By: marcel
Stick with the full synthetic. I once heard to never buy blends,reason the oil only has to contain 2% synthetic to be called a blend . With the little price difference I'd stick with synthetics.


Not true at all. Check out the MSDS for proof. http://msds.walmartstores.com/cache/28088_1.pdf

 

[FiremarshalRob]

Would the Maxlife synthetic blend with a PureOne or Napa Gold filter be ok to stretch out to 6-7K miles or twice yearly OCIs?

Rob

 

[FiremarshalRob]

Nice find Nightrider. 12-22% synthetic lubricating oil. But then it is based on weight. So the more oil, the higher the overall % ??

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: FiremarshalRob
Would the Maxlife synthetic blend with a PureOne or Napa Gold filter be ok to stretch out to 6-7K miles or twice yearly OCIs?

Rob



Probably, especially with mostly highway driving or longer trips.

Maxlife blend has a bit higher starting TBN than the All Climate and has shown to have good TBN retention up to about 7500 miles under the right driving conditions.